By Safiyat Muhammed, The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
The Bureau News reports that fear has gripped residents of Olamaboro Local Government Area in Kogi State following the abduction of Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba, parish priest of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Agaliga-Efabo.
The cleric was kidnapped at gunpoint on Saturday, September 13, 2025, along the Imane–Ogugu Road in Imane, Olamaboro LGA. Witnesses said he may have been taken alongside other unidentified commuters.
Confusion Among Catholic Community
The incident has thrown the local Catholic community into panic. Speaking on the matter, another priest in the area, Fr. Michael, expressed concern over the silence of the kidnappers.
“We are confused because since his abduction three days ago, the abductors have not made any contact to demand ransom. But we strongly believe that Almighty God will deliver him safely,” he said.
Security Agencies Launch Search
Security operatives, including the Nigeria Police, the military, and the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW), have since begun combing forests and bushes in the area in search of the abducted priest.
The Bureau News gathered that this marks the second kidnapping in Olamaboro within one week. On September 7, gunmen abducted Barrister A.B. Shaibu between Etieke and Okugoh. He was later released after his family reportedly paid an undisclosed ransom.
Kogi State Police Command spokesman, SP Williams Ovye Aya, said he was yet to be briefed but promised to verify from officers on the ground.
Rising Insecurity in Kogi East
The abduction of Fr. Ezemba comes barely two weeks after gunmen kidnapped Pastor Friday Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria (CEFN) shortly after a church service.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idah Branch, has raised alarm over the recurring incidents of kidnapping in Kogi East. Its chairman, Barr. James Michael, urged governments at all levels to act urgently.
“Recent abductions along Okura-Ojapata, Ochadamu-Itobe-Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road, and Ikeje-Aloma Road, underscore the dire need for enhanced security measures,” Michael stressed.
He further called on authorities to prioritize the protection of lives and property in the region.
